Portret van Martin Friedrich Seidel 1727 - 1765

Valentin Daniel Preissler created this portrait of Martin Friedrich Seidel, capturing the sitter framed by an oval and positioned next to a draped curtain and coat of arms. The curtain in the portrait has a long lineage in art history, going back to ancient Roman portraiture, as a symbol of the sitter's status and importance. The motif of the curtain reappears throughout the Renaissance and Baroque periods, often indicating a reveal or unveiling of truth or power. One might consider the “Ecstasy of Saint Teresa” by Bernini. The flowing fabric here shares its symbolic meaning to convey divine experience. Just as the folds in the drapery and the emotional intensity of the portrait capture our attention, the curtain continues to evoke feelings of wonder and awe. Over time, the curtain has evolved, becoming associated with theater, performance, and secrecy. This shifting symbolism reflects our changing cultural values and psychological needs, constantly engaging with and reinterpreting these images.